Crochet isn't a hobby that only retired grandmothers take up: it's a craft-even in an art form-that's growing in popularity. Crochet is both practical and creative, and can be a great way to be productive while watching Netflix on a cold, rainy day. We provide instructions on how to make a simple bag with basic crochet techniques. This pattern can be adapted to bags of various sizes and styles.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Simple Envelope Style Bag Crochet
Step 1. Review the basics
This bag is a good project for beginners. If you haven't reviewed our wikiHow article on Crochet, be sure to check it out (with a helpful instructional video).
For this work, you only need to know how to make a chain stitch (usually shortened to “ch”) and a single stitch (usually shortened to “sc”)
Step 2. Decide what kind of bag you want
It's a flexible pattern, and you can adapt it into a small envelope-style bag or even into a laptop or tablet case.
If you're planning to include a specific item in your new bag, measure it first (for example, your laptop) or measure a bag of a similar style so you have the basic size and shape in mind
Step 3. Choose your yarn
If this is your first crochet work, it's best to choose a plain, simple yarn like cotton or fine acrylic. You can also choose a plain color so you can see how each stitch is made and can count them more easily
Step 4. Choose your crochet hook
Most yarn labels include the size of the hook you should use; it would be better if you use the recommended hook size.
- As a general rule, the thicker your hook, the thicker the thread will need to be.
- If you want to finish your work faster, choose a thicker thread and hook. The stitches will be larger, and you'll make rows faster.
Step 5. Make a test box
As with any piece of work, it's a good idea to make a test box. You may not be looking forward to getting started making your bag, but taking the time to crochet a small square (approximately 10 cm x 10 cm) can save you a lot of time in the long run.
Making a test box will help you measure the tension (how loose or tight your stitches are) and determine how many stitches you need in each cm
Step 6. Make as many chain stitches as you want to make the bottom and top of your bag
Since this is a work for beginners, you will create a rectangle or a square (the top and bottom will be the same length, as will both sides).
- More advanced work will allow you to create different shapes, such as an isosceles trapezoid with a tapering peak. You will need to learn how to reduce the seams to be able to make a bag with this shape.
- To make a small to medium sized bag, between 30 and 60 stitches will suffice.
- Make sure you remember how many stitches you want to make in this initial chain stitch. You may have to write them down, and if your chain stitch is very long, you may need to mark the stitches every ten to twenty stitches to help you count.
Step 7. Turn your work over, then make a single stitch along your chain stitch
When you've finished the chain stitch to your desired bag width, you'll need to turn it over so you can start the next row on the reverse side. You will have to do this every time you reach the end of the line.
To reverse your piece, simply turn it halfway clockwise so that the last stitch in this row becomes the first stitch in the new row you're starting
Step 8. Continue crochet as high as the size of the bag you want
As you get better at making single stitches and turning your work, continue until the bag is as tall as you want it to be.
- You will fold the bottom of the bag (the top will form the lid). Keep this in mind as you crochet. Don't make your work too short.
- If you want your bag to be 30 cm high (when the lid is folded) with a lid length of 15 cm, you will need to crochet it to a height of 75 cm.
Step 9. Finish your yarn
When your piece has reached your desired height, you must end the thread. Finishing yarn in crochet is actually quite easy.
Simply cut the thread from the skein, leaving a few inches of thread tail. Take the tail of the thread in with the hook, release the hook and pull the thread tight. Then, weave a tail of thread through the stitches in the top row.
Step 10. Fold and sew to make a bag
Fold the bottom of the bag to make a pocket.
- Check to see if there is a “backside” to your work; if you prefer to see it from one side, make sure that side is facing out when you fold it.
- Using a matching thread (we recommend using the same thread as the thread for crochet, unless you like the contrasting seam look), sew the two sides together, until it stops at the point where you want to fold the flap.
Method 2 of 2: Crochet a Tote Bag
Step 1. Review steps 1-5 above
In addition to making a simple envelope bag, you can try making a tote bag. Since this method requires you to make two side pieces and sew them together, your bag will have more room in it, making it more suitable for use as a women's bag or shopping bag.
The initial step of this alternative work is the same as an envelope-style bag. You'll want to make sure you can do basic crochet stitches, have chosen the yarn and hook you use carefully, and have thought about how your final piece will look. When you've done that, you're ready to start crocheting your new bag
Step 2. Decide if you want your bag to have a lining lid
You will make two parts and sew them together. If you don't want to have a lining on your bag, the front and back will be exactly the same. However, if you want to have a layer of cover, you will need to crochet the back higher.
For example, if you want a bag that's 30cm high with a lid, you'll need to make the back taller – crochet at 45cm will give you a 15cm-high lid
Step 3. Make a series of chain stitches
Counting your stitches carefully, make a series of chain stitches along the width of your desired bag. You will crochet a square or rectangular shape, depending on the shape of the bag you want.
If your chain stitch is very long, it may be helpful to use a stitch marker every ten or twenty stitches to help you count
Step 4. Turn your work over, then make a single stitch along your chain stitch
When you've finished the chain stitch to your desired bag width, you'll need to turn it over so you can start the next row on the reverse side. You will have to do this every time you reach the end of the line.
To reverse your piece, simply turn it half clockwise so that the last stitch in this row becomes the first stitch in the new row you're starting
Step 5. Continue making single stitches
Continue crocheting, flipping, and making new rows until you reach the height you want.
Keep in mind that if you want to make it cover, the back must be longer (height) than the front
Step 6. Finish your yarn
When the front (or back, depending on what you're working with) has reached your desired length, you'll need to end the thread.
When you have finished the last row, cut the yarn from the skein, making sure you leave a few inches of tail. Take the tail of the thread in with the hook, release the hook and pull the thread tight. Then, weave a tail of thread through the stitches in the top row.
Step 7. Repeat Steps 3-6 to make the second part of your bag
When you're done, you'll have either two pieces that are exactly the same (front and back without the cover), or two parts with a longer back that will fold forward as a cover.
Step 8. Sew the front and back together
With the back sides of the two halves meeting each other, use matching yarn to join the bottom and sides of your bag.
You may have to use the same color of thread to sew the two halves together, but it may also be nice to use contrasting colors
Step 9. Make a strap for your bag
You may have to make a strap for your bag. The creation process is similar to what you have done.
- Make a series of chain stitches as long as the string you want.
- Flip the chain stitch, and make a single stitch along the edge of the chain stitch.
- Repeat single crochet until the string is the width you want.
- Finish the strap, then sew the ends of the string around the corners of your bag.
- Make sure you use lots of stitches when attaching the straps to your bag; There's nothing worse than experiencing a severed rope, sacrificing the contents of your bag!
